The 2011 Murphy-Goode Homefront Red is a blend of Zinfandel, Syrah, Petite Sirah and a little Merlot sourced from vineyards in more than one California grape growing AVA. This blend is aged in French and American oak barrels and the alcohol content is 13.5%. That is a summery of the technical details for this Red blend, but they are of minor concern compared to the real story behind the Homefront Red. This Red is part of a series of wines that Murphy-Goode has produced (there is a Napa Cabernet Sauvignon and a North Coast Red Blend, both list for $55, the Homefront Red lists for $15 and should be widely available for a bit less) supporting Operation Homefront , charity supporting military families in need. Operation Homefront provides a wide range of much need services to folks who need a helping hand and quite frankly deserve our support. Murphy-Goode is donating 50 cents from every bottle sold with the ultimate goal of donating $300,000. 94% of the revenue Operation Homefront raises goes directly to their programs, so the money you give actually goes to folks who can use a hand.
The color is ruby slippers red with dark purple highlights. The nose is red berries, toasty vanilla and Nestle’s cocoa powder. It tastes of ripe blueberry, Michigan cherries, a little cola and tart raspberry. The mid palate brings plum jam, a slight hit of Altoid’s spice and cooling dash of strawberry and vanilla. The tannins don’t bite and there is enough acidity to allow this blend to be rather versatile when paired with food. The finish is full and of good length.
The 2011 Murphy-Goode Homefront Red is a delicious, hearty Red blend. Drink it because it is a well made wine that tastes great, buy it because people who can use some assistance, will get a helping hand. The Homefront Red really is a solid bottle of wine, it is a worthy bottle, even if money wasn’t going to a good cause. But, the people being helped by Operation Homefront have earned our support and Murphy-Goode is giving us a painless way to do the right thing.
